What do I need to take with me to Machu Piccu?

Question

I am going to Peru and I am wondering what to take. I know it is winter there but how cold are we talking. I also heard I should bring my own toilet paper and a pillow. Any othe little surprises I should know about before I pack up and go?

Answer 1

If you're leaving right now, yes, it is winter down there, so definitely invest in a nice warm jacket that can be stuffed into a small backpack.  Try to take as little as possible, remembering that you can do laundry and buy toiletries anywhere down there.  You don't have to lug a bunch of extra stuff with you!  If you're hiking the Inca trail you can hire a porter to carry your backpack for you, so you don't need to worry too much about that.  I would invest in a really good pair of walking shoes.  Some people like hiking boots, but I think they're too bulky and heavy to carry, so I'd suggest a nice pair of trainers instead.  You don't need to worry about bringing your own TP and pillow unless you're planning on camping :)  Bring layers of clothes and maybe a base layer (such as long-underwear) in case the weather is too chilly for you.  I was there in the summer, so I don't really know how cold it gets in June.  I would also take a small medicine kit with something like Imodium, Tylenol, Pepto Bismol, and basic first aid.  You probably won't need any of those things, but they are a good thing to have just in case.  You may want to talk to your doctor about altitude sickness medicine, but I didn't have any problems when I was there without it.  Good luck and have a wonderful trip!

Answer 2

Do not take "new" hiking shoes. Make certain that you have well broken in shoes. Taking toilet paper is a must; Pepto Bismol  in tablet form might also come in handy. A hat, sun glasses and some heat wraps if you suffer from lower back pain. As you get higher and higher, it does get cold. Something warm will help. Sleeping is a problem because it is too cumbersome to take a sleeping bag. To the best of my recollection there is no car or plane to reach Macchu  Picchu.

Cuzco is the jumping off point. June to September is the best time to go. Have a safe and fascinating trip.

Answer 3

http://machu-picchu/info

The above site has some information. Try sending them an e-mail. Click on the e-mail link.

Answer 4

Due to the altitude i would certainly recommend a few things;  depending on what kind of physical shape youre in, take some good hikes/walks and build up your stamina.  DONT over exert yourself, especially at first.  Wear sunscreen winter or not, the sun is sooo strong, even if its cloudy you wont realize it till your burnt.  I wouldnt use toilet paper, but handy wipes, u know the baby moisturized kind...that way you can clean the rest of yourself as well.  Insect repellant, for the way up and down, u dont say how long you are staying or how youre getting there or i could maybe offer more/better advice....be safe

Answer 5

I was just in Machu Piccu about 3 weeks ago and one thing I would suggest is buying a rain slicker because it does rain often. I would suggest bringing your own Off bug repellent because to buy it in Cusco or there will cost you a lot. I stayed in the hotels there and they were fairly clean but I would suggest having some Clorox travel wipes. They drink a lot of coca tea there to help with the altitude but that's your call. They believe the coca plant is NOT a drug and it is sold everywhere in it's pure form. Comfortable shoes are a must along with a warm jacket, layer up because it does get warm there in the afternoon. Do not eat the food cooked on the street no matter how good it smells. Take your pepto-bismo and tums. When you leave from Cusco to M. Piccu luggage with wheels are not your friend make sure you can carry everything you need in your backpack and leave room for souvenirs because there are some great shopping opportunities once your arrive in machu piccu. Also know some Spanish it will be very helpful.